26" wheels.. that's me. I keep looking at touring bikes, but I'd like 26" wheels not just for the small frame I would need for my 5'5" body, I also prefer the flat handlebars for loaded touring for the easier steering and leverage. I'd also like the lower MTB gearing... After awhile, I just keep going back to my Steel MTB hardtail which is what I use. I haven't yet been convinced to get a touring frame with MTB handlebars, MTB gearing, and MTB wheels.... Maybe someday

Hi,
Gunnar makes a couple genuinely terrific frames for $600. One is a light touring model, the Sport. The other is a off road touring number. I like Surly, got their fork on my bike. But a couple hundred bucks extra throws you from good to great.

That's good they're coming out with a new touring frame. I've been considering their Karate Monkey frame possibly for light touring use. I like the idea of 26" wheels for smallish frames. As a matter of fact, I'm in the middle of building a tourer around 26" wheels.

I'm not all that familiar with Surly but I sure like the looks of this frame.

The other posters pointed out some important features, and to that I would add: the extended head tube.
Maybe now there will be less need to cut the steerer extra long to get the handlebar at a sensible height.

It looks very close to being the perfect frame. But I'm wondering if -- even though I don't think I care about disc brakes right at the moment -- I'd buy a frame without tabs. I might change my mind someday.

I wonder if that fork is going to be available separately, the way the Crosscheck fork is, and how much it weighs. It looks like the ideal touring fork.

Hi,
Gunnar makes a couple genuinely terrific frames for $600. One is a light touring model, the Sport. The other is a off road touring number. I like Surly, got their fork on my bike. But a couple hundred bucks extra throws you from good to great.

I'll second Late's recommendation. I have some time on Surly frames and a friend who is currently commuting on one. They are OK but not nearly the value of the Gunnar frames. Gunnar frames are constructed better, have better tubesets, paint with inovative & well thought out designs/geometry/clearances. Gunnars are as close as you can get to a custom bike without getting one. A great value for a Made in the USA bike.

I have a Gunnar Tire biter and every time I ride it I'm impressed by it. I'm very tempted pick up their latest touring model.

Also check out Thorn frames. Good value I'm told by the touring cyclists I know that have them.

If you want the ultimate frame go custom. Tom Teesdale (TET) built me a road bike in 2002. VERY sweet and absolutely spot on. The bike fits me like no other. He customized the tubeset for optimal stiffness and handling. He even matched the color perfectly from a photo I sent him.

Hi,
Gunnar makes a couple genuinely terrific frames for $600. One is a light touring model, the Sport. The other is a off road touring number. I like Surly, got their fork on my bike. But a couple hundred bucks extra throws you from good to great.

Definitely,
it's a sport/tourer. When I was shopping for my bike last year, I test rode
a couple touring bikes. The heavy duty touring bikes were dog slow. Price didn't matter much, the Waterford I tried was slower than the trek 520. It was also ten times tougher, but that's a different issue (unless you're crossing continents, then it is THE issue). I figure you buy ultralite gear, use a trailer, anything but that. YMWDV (your mileage will definitely vary)

Just got back from a short "tour" on my new '06 Utility Blue LHT and all I can say about the bike is WOW! Talk about stability and good handling? Can you say LHT? Yes, this forum is a very valuable tool to use when looking at a new bike.

Thanks to all who have posted in the past on the SURLY!

Rick

Get "laid back" and enjoy life as it goes by or you will pass "it" by and never know it!!!!
Also a Proud New Papa of a LHT !
:love:

Congratulations on the birth of your new frame!!! I know you will have many happy memories together!
As far as the handlebars and brakes, The bars came off my trek and have countless miles on them, in other words, I love them! And as far as the brakes go, I have only put a hair over 100 miles on them and like them so far. Onre thing I liked about them and the reason I went with the Tektro's is the spring system in the brake is not a coil spring. I have had better luck out of the regular springs because they seem to be easier to keep in adjustment.
Look forward to pic's when you get your bike up and going!

Rick

Get "laid back" and enjoy life as it goes by or you will pass "it" by and never know it!!!!
Also a Proud New Papa of a LHT !
:love: